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Abstract:
Laser altimetry is a powerful technique to obtain the topography of planetary bodies. It is essential to interpret the gravity field measurements, and for the characterization of landforms on planetary surfaces. It can provide constraints on interior structure from tidal measurements and from precisely determining the rotation state of planetary bodies. Furthermore, constraints on atmospheric features, surface roughness and albedo variations can be provided. Laser altimetry has been applied to small bodies like asteroids and comets and to large bodies e.g., the Moon, Mars and Mercury. With BepiColombo and JUICE being in cruise, new data-sets will be available for Mercury and the icy moons of Jupiter, respectively. Here a review on previous achievements and typical applications of laser altimetry in planetary science is given. We will also focus on prospects for future measurements focusing mainly on the JUICE and BepiColombo missions.
